One dead as ‘perfect storm’ wreaks havoc along the east coast

Violent weather caused damage to the harbour area at North Berwick over the weekend. Picture: Ian Rutherford

One sailor is reported to have died and 11 others were winched to safety from their vessel in the North Sea after what government ministers described as a “perfect storm” hit Scotland’s north east coast at the weekend.

A tug boat was yesterday making its way from Invergordon to recover the 42.5-metre Vos Sailor after two helicopters rescued survivors following a mayday early on Saturday.

Grampian Police said: ““The vessel sustained significant damage and 11 crew members were winched to safety during an operation co-ordinated by the coastguard in Aberdeen.

“It appears at this time that one crew member has suffered fatal injuries.”

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead is expected to visit ports in the north east today, including Lossiemouth, Fraserburgh and Peterhead, to review damage following weather which government reports said was caused by a “highly unusual” combination of south easterly gales, low pressure and high tides.

Over the weekend, a section of harbour wall in Lossiemouth collapsed, while a shipping container broke loose and caused damage at North Berwick in East Lothian.

In Peterhead, 30 people were evacuated from properties in the Roanheads area. Three people marooned on Peterhead harbour were rescued by lifeboat.

In Wick, Caithness, roads were closed and fishing boats were damaged in high winds.